Despite the crisis in Japan, nuclear energy is still a viable and necessary source of global energy: OECD chief

Angel Gurria, head of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, speaks at a press conference on the sidelines of a 'Green Growth' summit in Seoul. -- PHOTO: AFP SEOUL - NUCLEAR power is still a viable source of global energy despite the crisis in Japan, the OECD chief said on Monday. Angel Gurria, head of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, said nuclear power remains necessary to meet growing energy needs but also voiced support for fuel sources such as solar and water power. 'The question is not to abandon the (nuclear) programmes... safety indeed is a great concern, but we believe very strongly nuclear continues to be a part of the solution,' he told a press conference on the sidelines of a 'Green Growth' summit. Mr Gurria said human error - one of the most common causes of nuclear accidents - can be overcome. 'We can learn from ou...